Christmas near Tunbridge Wells
Everything festive we have checked within roughly 25 km of Tunbridge Wells, sorted by distance. It covers events in town and the best of the surrounding countryside.
16 events we have checked
- BookPantomime and theatreFamily days out
Cinderella (pantomime)
Assembly Hall Theatre, Tunbridge Wells · 12 December to 31 December 2026
Tunbridge Wells' family pantomime for 2026 is Cinderella, produced by Little Wolf Entertainment. Buttons, the Fairy Godmother and two dames lead the comedy, and the show runs for roughly two and a quarter to two and three quarter hours. There are morning, matinee and evening shows across the run.
- Price:
- From £20
- Dates:
- 12 to 31 December 2026, no shows on 18 or 25 December. Signed performance 30 December at 1pm; relaxed performance 30 December at 5pm
- Christmas marketsShopping
The Pantiles Boutique Christmas Markets
The Pantiles, Tunbridge Wells · 13 November to 24 December 2026
Wooden chalets line the Georgian colonnade of the Pantiles on weekends through November and December, selling gifts from independent makers. Live musicians, community choirs and local theatre groups perform, including mini pantomime shows. The market runs every day in the final week before Christmas.
- Price:
- Free
- Dates:
- Fridays to Sundays from 13 November, then daily from 18 to 24 December 2026. 11am to 8pm (6pm on 24 December)
- BookHeritage railwaysMeet Father Christmas
THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride
Spa Valley Railway, Tunbridge Wells West station, Tunbridge Wells · 7 November to 23 December 2026
A theatrical train ride from Tunbridge Wells West based on the much-loved film, with characters performing on board and the story read aloud. Hot chocolate and a cookie are served during the journey, and Santa hands each child a silver sleigh bell. Families are encouraged to come in pyjamas.
- Price:
- From £37.95
- Ages:
- Under 2s travel on an adult's lap
- Dates:
- Selected dates from 7 November 2026, with several departures a day. The official ticket site lists departures into late December (at least 23 December); check it for the full calendar
- BookChristmas marketsMeet Father Christmas
Tonbridge Christmas Fest
Tonbridge Castle, Tonbridge · 27 November to 13 December 2026
A free festive market at Tonbridge Castle across three long weekends, with a market village of handmade gifts, a food village and a Christmas lounge. Families can book a grotto visit, shows and character meet and greets, while 18-plus evenings cater for adults. Santa's Post Office and a Christmas tree parade add to the atmosphere.
- Price:
- Free
- Dates:
- Three weekends: 27 to 29 November, 3 to 6 December and 10 to 13 December 2026. Weekdays 1pm to 7pm, weekends 10.30am to 7pm, early close on Sunday 29 November
- BookPantomime and theatreMeet Father Christmas
The Christmas Cavity Calamity mini panto
Penshurst Place and Gardens, Penshurst · 5 December to 23 December 2026
A short, 20 to 25 minute pantomime in Penshurst Place's Garden Room, where Mother Christmas and her mischievous twin threaten to spoil the festivities. It is a good fit for younger children who might struggle with a full-length theatre panto. Quiet sessions have softer music, BSL signing where possible and time to meet Father Christmas.
- Price:
- See website for prices
- Dates:
- Selected performances from 5 to 23 December 2026. Two quiet sessions for children with SEND, 10am to 11am, between 5 and 12 December
- BookFamily days outChristmas lights
A Fairytale Christmas at Scotney Castle
Scotney Castle (National Trust), Lamberhurst · 21 November to 3 January 2027
The Victorian mansion at Scotney is decorated with scenes inspired by favourite fairytales, and a gingerbread trail runs outdoors for children. On selected late nights the gardens are lit with twinkling illuminations. Scotney is just outside Lamberhurst, so it combines easily with other festive outings in the area.
- Price:
- Free event, but normal admission applies (National Trust members free).
- Dates:
- 21 November 2026 to 3 January 2027, 10am to 4pm, plus selected late-night illumination evenings
- BookChristmas lightsMeet Father Christmas
Christmas at Hever Castle
Hever Castle and Gardens, Edenbridge · 20 November to 2 January 2027
Anne Boleyn's childhood home is dressed for Christmas, with decorated rooms and log fires inside and a Nutcracker-themed trail through the grounds. From 4pm on twilight dates the castle, gardens and lake are lit up, and Father Christmas can be added as an extra. Daytime and twilight tickets are sold separately.
- Price:
- From £15
- Dates:
- Open most days from 20 November 2026 to 2 January 2027. Closed 23 and 24 November and 25 and 26 December. Evening twilight entry from 4pm on many dates; hours vary by day
- BookChristmas lightsFamily days out
Christmas at Bedgebury
Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest, Goudhurst · 20 November to 31 December 2026
An evening light trail beneath the giant conifers of the national pinetum, reworked for 2026 with new installations. Look out for the Christmas Cathedral, a new Laser Garden and the tall trees lit against the night sky, plus a possible glimpse of Father Christmas. Food stalls sell hot drinks and treats, and you can toast marshmallows over fire pits.
- Price:
- From £13
- Ages:
- Child tickets cover ages 3 to 16; under 3s free
- Dates:
- Selected evenings: 20 to 22 and 27 to 29 November, 2 to 6 December, 9 to 24 December and 26 to 31 December 2026. Timed entry roughly every 15 minutes from 4pm to 8.15pm
- BookFamily days out
A Christmas Woodland Wonder at Knole
Knole (National Trust), Sevenoaks · 21 November to 23 December 2026
Knole's courtyards are hung with trees and garlands, and the Great Hall is laid with nature-inspired woodland decorations around a large sparkling tree. Families can pick up a free spotter trail in the showrooms and follow a winter trail out in the deer park. Climb the Gatehouse Tower for views and a 1930s-style festive setting.
- Price:
- Free event, but normal admission applies (National Trust members free).
- Dates:
- Decorated house and courtyards 21 November to 23 December 2026, 11am to 4pm. The winter family trail in the parkland runs on to 3 January 2027
- BookPantomime and theatreFamily days out
Robin Hood (pantomime)
The Stag Theatre, Sevenoaks · 11 December to 3 January 2027
The Sevenoaks Panto team returns to the Stag with Robin Hood, led by local favourites Silly Billy and Dame Elaine Staige. The show runs for around two and a half hours. Tickets are sold through the Stag Theatre box office.
- Price:
- See website for prices
- Dates:
- 11 December 2026 to 3 January 2027
- Christmas marketsShopping
Christmas Market at Chartwell
Chartwell (National Trust), Westerham · 19 November to 22 November 2026
Local makers and food producers sell handmade gifts in a covered marquee at Chartwell over four days in late November. The estate shop, one of the largest in the National Trust, is open for Churchill-themed presents. Buy a garden ticket if you want to hear the live carols in the grounds at the weekend.
- Price:
- Normal admission or membership applies for the garden, grounds and studio, including the weekend carols. Parking is paid unless you validate a membership card.
- Dates:
- Thursday 19 to Sunday 22 November 2026, 10am to 4pm. Carols in the grounds at the weekend
- BookFamily days outMusic
Churchill's Colourful Christmas at Chartwell
Chartwell (National Trust), Westerham · 27 November to 3 January 2027
Winston Churchill's family home is decorated with a theme inspired by his love of painting, with colourful trees, lights and displays through the rooms. Children can follow a festive trail based on Rob Biddulph's picture book I Follow the Fox. Live carols are performed in the garden on selected weekends.
- Price:
- Normal admission applies (National Trust members free). The family trail costs £3.50. Guided tours are an extra £9.50 and must be pre-booked.
- Ages:
- Under 5s free
- Dates:
- 27 November 2026 to 3 January 2027, 10am to 4pm, last house entry 3.10pm. Closed 24 and 25 December
- BookFamily days outFood and drink
A Woodland Realm: Christmas at Quebec House
Quebec House (National Trust), Westerham · 20 November to 20 December 2026
General James Wolfe's childhood home in Westerham is transformed into a woodland world, with trees and hidden creatures telling a winter story room by room. Volunteer cooks prepare 18th-century treats in the Coach House across the garden. It is a short, gentle visit that combines easily with Chartwell nearby.
- Price:
- Normal admission applies (National Trust members free).
- Dates:
- Fridays to Sundays, 20 November to 20 December 2026, 11am to 3pm, last entry 2.30pm
- Christmas lightsMusic
Maidstone Christmas Light Switch On
Jubilee Square, Maidstone · 19 November 2026
Maidstone's town centre lights are switched on in Jubilee Square, organised by the One Maidstone business group. A stage hosted by KM features a line-up of acts, the Mayor attends and Santa makes an appearance. Times are still to be announced, so check the organiser's page nearer the date.
- Price:
- Cost not stated by the organiser; check the event page before you go
- Dates:
- Thursday 19 November 2026. Start and switch-on times not yet published
- BookPantomime and theatreFamily days out
Beauty and the Beast (pantomime)
The Hazlitt Theatre, Maidstone · 28 November to 31 December 2026
Maidstone's town-centre theatre stages Beauty and the Beast as its 2026 pantomime, with the story of the cursed prince told in classic panto style. The show runs for just over two hours including a 15-minute interval. Two relaxed performances are scheduled for families who prefer a calmer setting.
- Price:
- See website for prices. Family and school offers are listed on the booking page.
- Ages:
- All ages welcome; under 16s must be with an adult. Contains innuendo typical of panto
- Dates:
- 28 November to 31 December 2026 on selected dates and times. Relaxed performances on 1 December at 10.30am and 11 December at 6pm